The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-09-01
MEMPHIS Fisheries.
An Industry That Has Not Risen 10
MerIted Promiuescs.
How share. witted studesn 81
Human Mature PROFIT ON she
Vanity 81 Nan.

Among .hs great industries for
which Memphis is noted--at home
il her fisheries. Mark that the word
industries has two. fold significance;
II brings sus,snanoe TO the operative,
and requires patient, persevering in
iustry TO accomplish it. Unlike the
great fisheries question over which
Great Britain ssd Uncle Samuel's
domain have wrasgled from way back,
the Memphis branch OF the subject
only raises contention and crstwhile
strife among tho local disciples OF
Issak Waltos and colored deputy
sheriHs Of Crittcsden county, Ark.
Many 10 the time friendly brush has
rescued intruders on Arkansas terri.
terry from tho clutches OF lynx-eyed
guardians Of that States resources,
particularly on the Sabbath.
The Memphis waters, including tho
Mississippi, Wolf aud llatchie rivers,
also the bayou aud few frog ponds,
together with lakes Of Crittenden,
worked an the sneak system, abound
with the funny tribe. Knights Of the
rod aud lise have not been attracted
from distant regions, presumably be-
cause taste for the luscious catfish
does not extend beyond the AVERAGE
Southern darky. Its fame Is rapidly
spreading. however, aud at some day
within the memory VI the next gen
Grafton anglers may be expected in
droves.
As at present prosecuted the in
dustry IL in is infancy, so 90 speak.
There exists no settled modern rule
OF procedure, or system, IS IL were.
This is because the superior intellect
OF the white race has not laid hold
Of the enterprise with its customary
vengeance, aud brought the never.
failing grabhook, troll line aud reel
and tackle ints service. The method
prevailing in the days OF our revolu-
tionAry foreiathers, when the devoioe
divided his time between watching
the bobbiag cork aud keeping hi,
eye peeled for treacherous redskins.
still reigns. Atearly morn the sable
hued fishermen, with eourds OF angle
worms, captured the previous night,
and baskets OF bacon aud corn bread
sally forth 10 tempt the Shiny inhab.
itsn, OF muddy streams. Perchanoc
they hook an eel, gar or sucker, may
be.a cat, but the greatest pcrohancC
Is largely in favor 81 the usual luck
Poor success has no terrors for them
All day they sit silently and wise
looking. Should The bait cast forth
to lure 10 destruction return undis
turbed, save by the turbid and SLOW
moving current, complAcenily Oh,
man OF patience hauls in his trap
and turns his weary steps towarC
the humble cabin meath whose roo
he 6nds shelter. Does he growl
kick up row aud swear of 2 No
he. Only loud demand for bread
IRON his wife aud children restraini
him from the experiment next day.
Far.seeing mea with little capita
and cool nerve, with an eye 30 prof
from the vanity Of others, have os
tablished themselves comfortably IL
this worlds goods by hugging Oh,
shores OF the Nississ ppi cOnycnien
10 Memphis. Old veterans in III,
profession. they know the weakness
Of man when be HES away Tor day
fishing. Nine times out OF ten thor,
accompanies him look Of grim de
termination aHd sufficient ducats. h
back him up. Amatcurish aud i'm
petuOus, he arrives az the stream ant
throws out his line, armed for grin
lies, as itwere. Ere long there IL
faint nibble, q nervous jerk, aud
craw6sh falls At his ioet. or back int
the water. Then follows q sup
pressed something, which throws
cloud over the piety OF the angler. A
turtle, calmly perohed on q olump o
mud az the bottom, spies the ohunl
OF fresh meat, aud makes for IL. b.
means OF peculiar eifta Of nature hi
turtleship cas- empty hook an,
mover smell danger. The victim, Will
Few experiences like these, allow
his temper to become Iuilled, leu
fy round OF sulphurous scn
fences, and, Il he has companion
together they seek a convenient loJ
aud pass the remaining hours in
game Of "old reliable draw" Whci
the sun begins 10 east forth dim ray
from the western horizon, warning
them OF approaching niglrlall, a.,
disappointed fishermen make for .jh,
nearest friendly hatboat. Their
they are equipped 20 ward on thl
jibes aud jeers OF friends al home. m,
return under the protecting shade
Of darkness. Next day they reooun
gorgeous stories OF whole schools o
trout, spockled perch aud Dreams,
but the mass Of mankind know hos
il is themselves, aud reply with al
Invitation 10 gaze into the corner o
an eye. Verify the Memphis ish
cries il a great industry.